male

Avoid the use of male as a modifier in job or position titles, as in male nurse or male secretary, except when specifically comparing men and women doing the same work.

• Today’s guests are the new CEO, Ms. Jane Pearson, and her secretary (not male secretary), Mr. Tom Smith.
• Bob has worked for 10 years as a receptionist (not male receptionist).
• In this ward of the veterans’ hospital, only male nurses are employed.

In general, the noun male should not be substituted for man.

• Three men (not Three males) were seen driving north that morning.

The term male is also applied to animals.

• The polar bear is a very large animal: males often weigh 500 to 600 kg.

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